Unity and trust are crucial to the new format working for Scottish football

IF the new league structure does not work Scottish football administrators must not think twice about ripping it up.

A general view of the Hampden Park Stadium on July 25, 2012, in Glasgow, Scotland. Outside are Olympics signs

Again, if need be. And again – and again. Until they get it right.

The very future of Scottish football is on the line and I’m less concerned with the numbers that make up our leagues as the people running them and a fairer distribution of finances.

It’s absolutely vital trust is rebuilt between clubs – and that means inviting Rangers back to the top table and asking them to play a meaningful role in discussions on the best way forward.

Admittedly, I’ll be watching with trepidation as the new 12-12-18 system unfolds if, as seems likely, it’s given the go-ahead for the new season.

Am I convinced by the merits of top two leagues of 12 that split into three leagues of eight after 22 games?

Frankly, no. It throws up as many questions as answers.

How can you guarantee 22 games will be played by a certain date, given the vagaries of a Scottish winter?

How fair is it to present a trophy to the champions of the second 12 after 22 games – as they might not even win promotion when the points slate is wiped clean for the final 14 matches?

And how can we ensure clubs in that central group of eight show enough discipline in the January transfer window and don’t embark on a policy of financial boom or bust in a desperate bid to reach the top flight?

I’d rather go for a structure that sees fewer matches played, a winter break introduced, more football in the summer months and greater opportunities for international get-togethers.

And yet for all its flaws, I’ll go with 12-12-18 if it brings money to the game and increases attendance numbers and excitement levels.

But if it is seen not to work then we must not keep on with it for 15 years as we have with the fatally-flawed model of the SPL since its introduction in 1998.

So what if it takes further changes to get it right? Integrity? Scottish football is dying if we don’t get it right. If this remains a work in progress, so be it.

Ultimately, the credibility of any organisation comes from the people running it and that’s why changes behind the scenes are arguably more important than those out front.

I’m pleased to see the financial model is being renegotiated so there is a more equal spread of wealth. It’s not right Dunfermline received £750,000 for being relegated last season while Ross County were rewarded with £75,000 for winning the First Division.

If Scottish football is to become truly competitive we need as many clubs as possible on a level financial footing.

Thankfully, we’re beginning to see signs of unity between SPL clubs and also, crucially, the top flight and the SFL.

The SPL have been a laughing stock for too long and the SFA have struggled to convince in recent seasons they can be taken seriously to provide an overall lead to our game.

The SFL has retained its reputation for sane, sterling and solid administration but if this is to work then all three bodies, representing all Scottish clubs, must come together.

There’s been a lack of trust between the SPL and the SFL for too long, caused for the most part by the failure of the bigger clubs to deliver on all they’d hoped when they broke away in the first place.

It’s crucial the people with decision-making powers in the new set-up are credible operators who ensure what is promised is delivered.

Scottish football cannot afford more false dawns and supporters need clarity and transparency in everything the new organisation says and does.

To that end, I cannot believe Rangers have not been asked to contribute to the official debate at this stage. They have a massive part to play in the development of Scottish football as one of the game’s two financial powerhouses.

If the in-fighting is to end then my old club must be brought around the table. The game’s governors have to realise it’s easier to work with major stakeholders than against them. There must be lines of communication between the game’s leaders and a club such as Rangers striving to get back into the big time.

After all, they are principle players who will play a huge role in attracting investors to any new set-up.

Charles Green’s comments about finding a new league were probably borne of frustration. But make no mistake, Rangers – like Celtic, given Peter Lawwell’s comments – will keep an eye on developments across Europe.

And Charles would be failing as chief executive if he was not exploring every avenue to expand Rangers, rather than trade on past glories. It’s his job to awaken a sleeping giant. Rangers may not have a vote on the future of the game as a result of their associate membership of the SFL – but it would still be a dereliction of duty by those in charge to ignore them.

After all, the rules are likely to be changed midway through the season to facilitate the new structure. The goalposts have already been moved so why not bring Rangers into talks?

I’m sure that was the context in which the comments from Charles were supposed to be read, along with that strong editorial by James Traynor on the club website earlier this week.

Rangers have taken their medicine for the pains of the past and are building to remain healthy for the future.

Scottish football should be preparing for a bright new dawn. But unless everyone is prepared to move forward, we’ll forever be stuck in the dark ages.